Councillor Paul Bettison, leader of the borough, said National Grid could be fined £5,000 per day.

Clive Malcolm, Bracknell Forest Council spokesman, added: “The council has powers within legislation to take action against utility contractors. We will be taking up the matter with National Grid once the works are finished.”

He said: “We’ve applied to the Government to approve a new permit, which will mean the gas, electricity and phone companies will have to ask for permission so the council has the opportunity to make sure it’s not one thing after another.”